POLICE have pledged a “major blitz on offenders” after a Coventry couple were burgled for the second time in a few months – after moving to the city to escape the high crime rate in their native South Africa.

POLICE have pledged a “major blitz on offenders” after a Coventry couple were burgled for the second time in a few months – after moving to the city to escape the high crime rate in their native South Africa.

West Midlands Police responded after the Telegraph reported that Wesley and Megan King had their house ransacked in a terrifying raid in July, just a month after buying their first home together in Ernesford Grange.

Then, in the days following Christmas, they were targeted again when thieves stole Wesley’s motorbike from outside their home.

The young couple – who moved to the UK in 2007 – have called for a greater police presence near where they live in March Way.

Inspector Dayle Speed, responsible for policing in the area, said: “One crime is one too many and that’s why we’ve been working hard to reduce burglaries by 15 per cent and vehicle crime by 32 per cent in the Binley and Willenhall area alone.

“Despite this overall success, some people are still falling victim to criminals and we will be publicly launching a major blitz on offenders in the coming weeks.”

West Midlands Police are preparing a Coventry-wide crackdown on domestic burglaries and vehicle crime in the coming weeks.

Last July the couple were asleep in bed when Megan heard intruders in the next room. She woke Wesley and when he tried to tackle the raiders they blocked them in their own bedroom before making a dash to the getaway vehicle.

Wesley, 26, managed to throw a porcelain money box at the men which smashed at the bottom of the stairs as they fled.

The couple left their room to discover the house had been cleared out. Among items stolen were a laptop, plasma TV, games console, camera, credit cards, mobile phones and Megan’s car.

The incident left Megan struggling to sleep at night and was followed by other problems experienced by their neighbours in March Way.

Then, on Saturday, thieves cut through a thick chain securing Wesley’s 125cc Commuter motorbike to their driveway before riding off. It has not been recovered.

Wesley, who works as an administrator for a pensions company, had criticised the police response after the theft, claiming officers said it would not be actively investigated.

Insp Speed said: “In this particular case, as there was no CCTV, no witnesses and no forensic opportunities, the owner of the motorbike was informed that, having reported the theft, the case would be closed subject to new evidence coming to light which may help officers trace the bike and identify the thief.”